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EP 27: The One and Only True Secret to Success

Welcome to Do It Scared™ podcast! In every episode of this podcast, we’ll talk about how to face your fears, overcome obstacles, and create a life you love! There’s a pretty big difference between those who succeed and those who don’t, and it has nothing to do with how much money you have, how well-connected your family is, or how good your grades were in school. Instead, it’s having the grit and persistence to keep going no matter how hard things get.

This episode might be more emotionally raw than you’re used to from me. You’ll hear about my own journey with depression, and I’ll share things that are hard for me to talk about even now. That means that this might not be the best episode for little ears if your children are with you.

During my senior year of college, I began my descent into depression (I’ll share why in the episode). Eventually, I decided that killing myself was the solution to my problems. My third attempt landed me on life support in a coma with less than a 10% chance of recovery. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to change my life; I went even further down my path of self-destruction until even the doctors finally gave up.

At just 23 years old, I was pretty sure I had ruined my life forever. I had chopped off and dyed my once-gorgeous hair, pierced my nose and eyebrow, gotten multiple tattoos, and left self-harm scars all up and down my arms. I was divorced, bankrupt, and at rock bottom, with no job, no degree, and no hope. I ended up going to live with my dad, where I spent all day in bed for months until he bribed me to work out a few times a week.

Amazingly, those 30 minutes of putting one foot in front of the other on a treadmill started to make a difference, and the dark clouds of depression began to lift. I worked with a new therapist who helped me learn how to live again. She helped me see that every small bit of progress I made was helping to lead to the next one, and that I just had to keep going. Life hasn’t been perfect since then, but that’s normal; no one gets a free pass through life! Adversity is part of life, but the question is what you do about it.

Tune into the episode to learn about finding the grit and gumption to persevere, three critical steps you can take in the right direction, what this looks like within our family, why it’s so important to accept responsibility for yourself, and how refusing to quit can shape a life you’ll love.

Highlights

[02:14] – Today’s episode will cover something that doesn’t always get the attention that it deserves: the difference between people who succeed and people who don’t.[04:10] – Ruth explains that this episode will be more emotionally raw than others, and deal with topics involving her history with depression.[06:16] – We hear that Ruth’s descent into depression started during her senior year of college.[09:22] – Once Ruth got out of the hospital, she ended up going even further down her path of self-destruction.[11:51] – Ruth ended up going to live with her dad because she had no other place to go.[14:40] – There was never a moment where Ruth’s life magically turned perfect, she points out.[16:11] – What are you going to do about it when you encounter adversity? Ruth talks about her three steps of advice to head in the right direction.[20:58] – Ruth regularly has to explain to one of her daughters that life isn’t always fair, and that the only thing she can control is herself.[23:12] – The second step in Ruth’s advice is realizing that the joy is in the struggle.[27:41] – The final step is to keep putting one foot in front of the next. Just take one step, and then another.[30:25] – Ruth explains that at the end of the day, the key to success is simply refusing to quit.[32:02] – Ruth invites listeners to get in touch with her by email at doitscared.com.

This was the first podcast of yours I listened to. It won’t be the last. Your story gives you the credibility to discuss these topics. Thank you for sharing your past, relatable examples, and actionable steps. I’m on my rebuilding path and your advice has helped a lot.

Was the perfect podcast for me today. You are an inspiration I can relate to! You are amazing. I happened to find you on Kindle Unlimited and read your latest book and then for bloggers- I’m really hoping to make it a career! And your podcast… I really never listened to podcasts before! You are a light in my life right now, and I’m trying to learn as much from you as I can. You are making a difference and I’m so glad you made it through your struggles and are able to share your inner strength to help others do the same.

Thank you so much for sharing the hard stuff, it really helps sometimes we ( I ) are looking for a formula to success that does not include having to struggle so much, but I will take your advice find joy in the struggle, not give up and put one foot in front of the other in spite of the fear!

Ruth you are so brave to share your story. My heart breaks for you that you lived all these heartbreaking experiences. I can relate with so many of your experiences and on so many levels.

Our wounds and life experiences can be paralyzing. I have struggled with Bipolar for over 20 years. It has been by the grace of God I’m still here. He carried me through and pulled me up out of the ashes.

Our stories matter. His story matters. Your story is going to touch, inspire, and bless countless people. I know it had to have been very hard sharing your story, but I feel we’re meant to share our hard stories as a testimony to the Lord’s redemption.

I love that your story has beautiful chapters to follow the hard ones. I love that you help others with their passions. I love your amazing messages via email, your EBA course and other courses, your books, and your amazing Planner. You’re a beautiful and amazing young woman. I pray for your continued healing and success in your business. I pray for overwhelming abundance in joy, peace, laughter, blessings, and grace for you and your family.